Mentor, Arches Program

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies:

• Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
• Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and
• Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.

Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide.
Learn more about our work at www.innovatingjustice.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Queens Community Justice Center, launched in 2007, runs a diverse portfolio of programs for justice-involved youth, young adults and their families. Programming includes alternative-to-detention programs and leadership, clinical, mentorship, workforce development, gender responsive and family support initiatives. The Justice Center incorporates evidence-based methods for working with high-risk youth, including positive youth development and restorative justice principles, into its programming. Ultimately, the goal of the Justice Center is to provide off-ramps from the justice system, to help participants lead a more meaningful life, and to increase public safety.

The Queens Community Justice Center is seeking a Mentor, Arches Program. Reporting to the Program Coordinator, the mentor will be responsible for facilitating group mentoring and interactive journaling sessions for participants in the Department of Probation funded Arches program. Arches is a neighborhood-based transformative mentoring services program for young adults on probation between the ages of 16 and 24 who reside in or adjacent to Jamaica, Queens.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Facilitate Interactive Journaling sessions focused on skill development and goal setting;
• Provide one-on-one mentoring support to participants;
• Provide program participants with additional support in achieving Individual Achievement Plan goals as set by Department of Probation (DOP) probation officers;
• Work with the Program Coordinator in organizing and facilitating a mentor support group;
• Ensure thorough and accurate file-keeping and reporting on progress and compliance of participants;
• Input data to ensure proper tracking of clients and measure program success;
• Participate in regular staff and team meetings to coordinate program needs and objectives;
• Provide enrollment and administrative coverage when necessary;
• Attend evening and weekend community events when necessary;
• Assist in special events and collaborate on larger QCJC projects as necessary;
• Perform other duties as assigned by Program Coordinator; and
• Additional tasks as necessary.

Qualifications: High school diploma (or higher) with at least 2 years of experience in youth development work and/or mentoring with court-involved populations. The mentor position requires a personable and creative self-starter who can accomplish tasks in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should be credible messengers, specially trained adults from Jamaica with backgrounds and characteristics similar to the population served, including life experience, cultural competence, and criminal justice system familiarity. Prior experience with positive youth development, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapies preferred. Demonstrated ability to work in a culturally competent manner that is responsive to the needs of urban youth required. Proficiency in Microsoft and Google Suites, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom is preferred. Additionally, experience utilizing CRM or case management software is preferred. Individuals directly impacted by the criminal legal system are highly encouraged to apply for this position. Additional preferred qualities for these positions include deep connection with the Jamaica community they will be serving and ability to speak English and Spanish.

Position Type: Part-time, working 10 hours per week, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:00pm - 6:00pm.

Position Location: Jamaica Queens.

Compensation: The compensation for this position is an hourly rate of $27.48 - $28.57 per hour based on a 35 hour work week and is commensurate with experience.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included.

At this time, the Center is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Candidates are expected to provide accurate and truthful information throughout the hiring process. Any misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an offer, or termination of employment, regardless of when discovered.

In compliance with federal law, all hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment verification form upon hire. Please refer to the job posting for relevant contact information. If contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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